Nitte University re-designated as FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance until 2031
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Sep 29, 2026: Nitte (Deemed to be University) has been re-designated as a Reference Centre of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Aquaculture Biosecurity for another five years, extending its mandate until 2031.
Nitte University was first designated as an FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity in 2022 for the period 2022–2026. The designation placed the university among four globally recognised FAO Reference Centres working in these areas.
Following an evaluation of its work during the initial four-year term, FAO has renewed Nitte University’s designation for a further five years, from 2026 to 2031.
The re-designation certificate was formally presented at FAO Headquarters in Rome during the FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health, held from September 21 to 23, 2026. The conference brought together experts and institutions working across human, animal and environmental health under the One Health approach.
Dr M.S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor of Nitte University, received the certificate on September 23 from Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director General, FAO, in the presence of Dr Thanawat Tiensin and Dr Manuel Barange, Assistant Directors General, FAO.
The Nitte delegation included Dr Indrani Karunasagar, Head of the Nitte FAO Reference Centre, and Dr Iddya Karunasagar, former Senior Food Safety Officer at FAO and currently Advisor to the Nitte FAO Reference Centre.
Following the conference, representatives of FAO Reference Centres from India, China, the United States and Italy participated in a two-day workshop in Rome on September 24 and 25. The workshop focused on sharing experiences and developing plans for the next phase of collaborative activities.
Dr Iddya Karunasagar and Dr Indrani Karunasagar presented India’s experiences at the workshop and led a working group tasked with developing an action plan for future activities.
Hosted by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT), the workshop brought together representatives of FAO Reference Centres and international experts in aquatic animal health and biosecurity.
The discussions also identified opportunities for joint initiatives involving FAO and Reference Centres in China, the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy. These collaborations are expected to contribute to Nitte University’s work during its new five-year term.
The re-designation continues Nitte University’s role in global efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity through research, technical expertise and international collaboration.
Mangaluru, Sep 29, 2026: Nitte (Deemed to be University) has been re-designated as a Reference Centre of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Aquaculture Biosecurity for another five years, extending its mandate until 2031.
Nitte University was first designated as an FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity in 2022 for the period 2022–2026. The designation placed the university among four globally recognised FAO Reference Centres working in these areas.
Following an evaluation of its work during the initial four-year term, FAO has renewed Nitte University’s designation for a further five years, from 2026 to 2031.
The re-designation certificate was formally presented at FAO Headquarters in Rome during the FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health, held from September 21 to 23, 2026. The conference brought together experts and institutions working across human, animal and environmental health under the One Health approach.
Dr M.S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor of Nitte University, received the certificate on September 23 from Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director General, FAO, in the presence of Dr Thanawat Tiensin and Dr Manuel Barange, Assistant Directors General, FAO.
The Nitte delegation included Dr Indrani Karunasagar, Head of the Nitte FAO Reference Centre, and Dr Iddya Karunasagar, former Senior Food Safety Officer at FAO and currently Advisor to the Nitte FAO Reference Centre.
Following the conference, representatives of FAO Reference Centres from India, China, the United States and Italy participated in a two-day workshop in Rome on September 24 and 25. The workshop focused on sharing experiences and developing plans for the next phase of collaborative activities.
Dr Iddya Karunasagar and Dr Indrani Karunasagar presented India’s experiences at the workshop and led a working group tasked with developing an action plan for future activities.
Hosted by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT), the workshop brought together representatives of FAO Reference Centres and international experts in aquatic animal health and biosecurity.
The discussions also identified opportunities for joint initiatives involving FAO and Reference Centres in China, the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy. These collaborations are expected to contribute to Nitte University’s work during its new five-year term.
The re-designation continues Nitte University’s role in global efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity through research, technical expertise and international collaboration.